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### Instructions: How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
**Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients**
Start by chopping your vegetables into bite-sized pieces. This includes the potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. You can also cube the chicken breasts into large chunks for even cooking, but this is optional since the chicken will easily shred later.
**Step 2: Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker**
Add all of the prepared vegetables to the bottom of your slow cooker. Place the chicken breasts (whole or chopped) on top of the vegetables. Add the garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper, and pour in the chicken broth. Stir gently to combine the ingredients.
**Step 3: Set the Slow Cooker**
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will become tender and easily shred, while the vegetables will cook to perfection. You don’t need to stir during the cooking process—just let the slow cooker do the work.
**Step 4: Shred the Chicken**
Once the stew is finished cooking, use tongs or a fork to remove the chicken from the pot. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks and return it to the slow cooker. Stir everything together.
**Step 5: Add the Peas**
Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes on high until the peas are heated through.
**Step 6: Taste and Adjust**
Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed. If you want to make it richer, you can also add a splash of cream or a tablespoon of butter, but this is optional.
**Step 7: Serve and Garnish**
Ladle the stew into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately. You can enjoy it with a slice of crusty bread or over a bed of rice for an extra comforting meal.
### Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
– **Use Bone-in Chicken for Extra Flavor**: If you want a richer flavor, you can use bone-in chicken thighs or breasts. The bones add more depth to the broth while the meat becomes tender and falls off the bone.
– **Add More Veggies**: Feel free to add extra vegetables to suit your preferences. Sweet potatoes, parsnips, or even green beans would make great additions to the stew.
– **Make It Thicker**: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can make a slurry by mixing 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with cold water, then stir it into the stew about 30 minutes before serving. This will help thicken the broth without altering the flavor.
– **For a Kick of Spice**: If you like a little heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes to the stew for a bit of spice.
– **Freezer-Friendly**: This stew freezes really well! If you have leftovers, simply let the stew cool to room temperature and store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
### Why You Should Try Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is the kind of dish that’s perfect for busy days when you need something easy, hearty, and comforting. It’s a one-pot wonder that delivers all the flavors you love without requiring much effort. The best part? It’s a meal that can feed a crowd or provide several days of tasty leftovers.
From the rich broth to the tender chicken and perfectly cooked vegetables, this stew is a great go-to for families, meal prep enthusiasts, and anyone who loves a warm, filling dish. It’s simple, wholesome, and delicious—everything you want in a comforting meal.
So, if you’re looking for a stress-free, satisfying meal, give **Slow Cooker Chicken Stew** a try. Throw everything in the pot, sit back, and let the slow cooker work its magic!
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